Despite being only a fraction of the size, research and development in the Australian pistachio industry is just as advanced as its counterpart in the United States, according to an American pistachio expert.

In the American state of California, where around 99 per cent of the industry is based, the area planted to pistachios is currently around 10,000 hectares, and some say it will soon overtake walnuts as the country's second largest tree nut crop, following almonds.

In Australia, the pistachio industry is still far smaller, with industry figures indicating the current 900 hectares of land under pistachio production will increase to 1200 hectares by 2016.

The University of California, Davis' pistachio extension specialist Louise Ferguson, says in the USA, growth in the industry is being driven by the hardy nature of the trees, and consumers recognising the health benefits of eating more tree nuts.